Queen of the Oddballs: And Other True Stories from a Life Unaccording to Plan (Paperback)

Description

A hilariously offbeat memoir about an adventurous young woman's escapades as she defies conventions and transforms an ordinary Los Angeles life into a star-studded, extraordinary miracle of self-discovery.

Queen of the Oddballs forms a chronology of Hillary Carlip's habitual straying from roads more traveled -- from a wisecracking third-grader suspended from school for smoking (while imitating Holly Golightly) to a headline-making teen activist, juggler and fire eater, friend (NOT "fan") of Carly Simon and Carole King, grand prize-winning Gong Show contestant, cult rock star, and seeker of spiritual and romantic truths that definitely defy expectations.

Illustrated with ephemera -- from diary entries and photographs to a handwritten letter from Carly Simon -- Queen of the Oddballs presents a virtual time capsule of pop culture's last four decades and celebrates a creative life lived to the hilt.

About the Author

Hillary Carlip, author of Girl Power, has written commentaries for NPR, and is a performer and artist. She is the creator of the acclaimed personal essay Web site freshyarn.com, and she lives in Los Angeles.

Praise for Queen of the Oddballs: And Other True Stories from a Life Unaccording to Plan…

“[Ms. Carlip’s] curriculum vitae reads like a Cliffs Notes version of American popular culture...” -New York Times

“Carlip has lived a life that would make Leonard Zelig jealous.” -Entertainment Weekly

“Funny, endearing, and sweet for the soul, this is a lovable memoir.” -Bust Magazine